Fielding Dawson

Fielding Dawson was born in New York City. He studied at Black Mountain College with Charles Olson. He was primarily known as writer, but he also painted and worked with collage. Dawson attended Black Mountain College from 1949 to 1953. Afterward he served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955. He is the author of 21 books, including short stories and novels. Dawson’s novel, “The Black Mountain Book,” was published in 1991.
Dawson was known for his stream-of-consciousness style before the term was coined. He used minimal punctuation to emphasize the immediacy of his thoughts. His direct approach to writing was similar to that of Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg.

Dawson was also a teacher. He worked with prisoners Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, NY, and at-risk students at Upward Bound High School in Hartwick, NY. Dawson often wrote about his experiences as a teacher. Dawson said that he expected the truth in his students’ work, and as disturbing as that could often be, he refused to look away. This passion for reality ran through his life and work.

[Source: Museum Staff]